Ethics and complaints

Transparency International is guided by an ethical framework and a commitment to uphold core principles in all the movement’s efforts. We undertake to be open, honest and accountable in our relationships with everyone we work with and with each other.

People at Transparency International around the world adhere to a Conflict of Interest Policy that establishes standards in situations where the interests or values of the movement may conflict with those of individuals entrusted with specific responsibilities for the movement.

A Code of Conduct guides the day-to-day work of the secretariat staff, and an Ethics Advisor is available to staff members and other stakeholders for consultation on ethical dilemmas. The Board of Directors has its own Code of Conduct which reflects the requirement for the publication of a Register of Interests for all members, as can be found following their biographies. At the national level, chapters develop their own Codes of Conduct with their board members also publishing Registers of Interests.

The Ethics Committeeprovides advice on ethical questions to the Board of Directors, the chapters and the secretariat.

The TI-S Whistleblower Policy can be called upon by any individuals working under any form of contract or agreement with TI-S to raise concerns about misconduct and wrongdoing such as acts of a fraudulent, dangerous or criminal nature, incidences of corruption or any other serious reputational risk for TI-S, and suspicion thereof. In that context, the following ombudsperson is available to confidentially help them decide whether their information needs to be reported, to whom, whether openly, confidentially or anonymously.

In case of complaints or feedback about/to a TI Chapter

TI National Chapters are locally-based, independently-governed entities with their own internal ethics body. Complaints or feedback should be addressed to the competent body in the National Chapter itself. In case where it is felt that the Chapter is conflicted in dealing with the given case, please contact the secretariat by e-mailing [email protected] by outlining (i) the problem, (ii) the steps that you have already taken with the Chapter and the results, (iii) how the Chapter would have been conflicted in dealing with the matter.